'Old homes vs new build' - The Enquirer

ONLY 19% of residents in Essex are inclined to purchase a new build home despite the Government’s plans to build 200,000 new homes, according to new research.

The survey by the HomeOwners Alliance and BLP Insurance found that Essex is shunning new build homes because they are seen by some as being poorly built, characterless and with too small rooms.

Kim Vernau, chief executive officer at BLP Insurance adds: “With house prices in the UK on the rise, consumers are becoming much more aware as to the type of home they want to invest their hard earned cash in. New built homes must be high quality builds with the requisite space and light desired along with low maintenance costs and energy efficiency requirements.

“With activity in the construction industry on the increase as local authorities and developers attempt to meet the housing shortfall, there is a real risk that building standards will slip. Consumers want peace of mind and reassurance that the home they are purchasing is fit for purpose and built to last rather than simply chasing a house-building statistic. Purchasing a home with warranty insurance protection in place reassures the buyer that their new home has been built to the highest standards and designed to stand the test of time.”